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Crispy Pickle Cheese Bites

Crispy Pickle Cheese Bites are a savory, crunchy snack combining tangy dill pickles with melty cheese, all coated in a golden, crispy breadcrumb crust. Perfect as a unique appetizer or fun finger food, these bites are quick to make, party-friendly, and delightfully addictive with a perfect balance of tang, gooey cheese, and satisfying crunch.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: About 24 bites

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • Dill pickles (bite-sized rounds or spears) – about 1 cup sliced
  • Cheese (mozzarella or cheddar), cut to match pickle slices – about 1 cup cubed
  • All-purpose flour – 1/2 cup
  • Eggs – 2, beaten
  • Bread crumbs – 1 cup
  • Salt – 1/2 teaspoon
  • Black pepper – 1/4 teaspoon
  • Optional seasonings: garlic powder or paprika – 1/4 teaspoon each
  • Oil for frying (vegetable or canola) – enough for deep frying, about 2 cups

Optional Variations

  • Cayenne pepper or chili powder (for spicy kick) – 1/4 teaspoon
  • Fresh herbs like dill or parsley (for herb infusion) – 1 tablespoon chopped
  • Gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs (to make recipe gluten-free) – same quantities as above

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pickles and cheese: Drain and pat dry the dill pickles to remove excess moisture. Slice them into bite-sized rounds or spears. Cut the cheese into pieces matching the size of each pickle slice for easy assembly.
  2. Assemble the bites: Place a piece of cheese on top of each pickle slice, then sandwich them together by pressing gently to hold the cheese between two pickle slices.
  3. Set up the breading station: Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour seasoned lightly with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with your choice of seasonings (optional garlic powder, paprika, herbs, or spicy powders).
  4. Coat the bites: Dip each pickle-cheese sandwich first into the flour, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat well with the breadcrumb mixture to ensure a crispy crust after frying. For extra crunch, double dip by repeating egg and breadcrumb coating.
  5. Fry until golden and crispy: Heat oil to medium-high. Fry the bites in batches for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels to keep them crunchy.
  6. Serve immediately: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives if desired. Serve with creamy dips like ranch or spicy aioli, or alongside fresh-cut vegetables.

Notes

  • Pat pickles dry thoroughly to prevent sogginess and help breadcrumbs stick better.
  • Double coating with egg and breadcrumbs creates a thicker, crunchier crust.
  • Maintain steady medium-high oil temperature to avoid greasy or undercooked bites.
  • Use sharp cheddar or mozzarella for best melting and flavor.
  • Serve bites fresh to enjoy maximum crunch and gooey cheese.
  • Leftover bites can be refrigerated up to 2 days; reheat in oven or air fryer to restore crispness.
  • Freeze uncooked coated bites on a baking sheet then store in freezer bags for up to 1 month.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 bites
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 430mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Crispy pickle cheese bites, appetizer, snack, finger food, party food, fried snack, gluten-free option